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Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85

Portability
95
Imaging
34
Features
29
Overall
32
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 front
Portability
83
Imaging
54
Features
76
Overall
62

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 Key Specs

Panasonic FX580
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600 (Push to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-125mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 167g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
  • Announced January 2009
  • Also referred to as Lumix DMC-FX550
Panasonic GX85
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 426g - 122 x 71 x 44mm
  • Announced April 2016
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-GX80 / Lumix DMC-GX7 Mark II
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85: An Expert Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to stepping up your photography game or selecting a capable travel companion, Panasonic offers cameras across very different categories. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 is a compact small sensor point-and-shoot, whereas the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is an advanced mirrorless camera designed for serious enthusiasts and professionals. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I’m excited to share a thorough comparison between these two models to help you decide which fits your creative aspirations, budget, and photographic needs.

Let's break down their design, technology, and performance across the full spectrum of photography disciplines, while also discussing usability, lens ecosystems, and value.

Feeling the Cameras in Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Your camera should feel comfortable, intuitive, and solid to use - whether trekking in the wild or shooting a family portrait.

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 size comparison

  • Panasonic FX580: This pocketable compact weighs only 167g with dimensions of 95x57x22 mm. Its small footprint is great for travel, casual snaps, and street photography where discretion matters. However, the grip and button layout are limited due to the slim form factor, which may challenge extended handheld shooting or precise control.

  • Panasonic GX85: Substantially larger at 426g and 122x71x44 mm, the GX85 commands a more significant physical presence. It’s designed for comfortable handling with interchangeable lenses and pro-level controls. The magnesium alloy body offers solid build but lacks weather sealing, so extra caution is needed in tough outdoor environments.

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 top view buttons comparison

Ergonomics favours the GX85 for enthusiasts who prefer manual adjustments and tactile feedback. The FX580’s minimal control scheme suits beginners or quick point-and-shoot scenarios.

Bottom line: If portability and spontaneous shooting matter most, the FX580 wins here. For hands-on control and stability during serious shoots, the GX85 is the clear choice.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Camera Performance

The sensor defines your image’s dynamic range, low-light capability, resolution, color detail, and overall sharpness.

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 sensor size comparison

Feature Panasonic FX580 Panasonic GX85
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Sensor Size 1/2.3” (6.08 x 4.56 mm) Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Megapixels 12 MP 16 MP
Max ISO 1600 native, 6400 boosted 25600 native
RAW Support No Yes
Anti-Aliasing Filter Yes No
Dynamic Range (DxOMark) Not tested 12.6 EV
Color Depth (DxOMark) Not tested 22.9 bits
Low light ISO Score Not tested 662

The GX85’s larger Micro Four Thirds sensor with back-illuminated CMOS technology captures significantly more detail, reduces noise at high ISOs, and gives you access to raw files for extensive post-processing. In contrast, the FX580’s small 1/2.3” CCD sensor - common in compact cameras of its era - delivers decent images under good light but struggles with noise and limited dynamic range in challenging conditions.

For landscape photographers craving detail and editing latitude, or low-light shooters aiming for clean night shots, the GX85’s sensor is a far superior performer.

The Viewfinder and Display: Framing Your Vision

A bright, clear viewfinder and versatile LCD screen are crucial for composing shots and reviewing images.

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

  • FX580: Offers a fixed 3-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution. The low pixel count and lack of touchscreen means limited preview quality and slower menu navigation.

  • GX85: Equipped with a high-resolution 3-inch tilting touchscreen boasting 1,040k dots. This makes live view framing, focus selection, and menu control far more responsive and user-friendly. The inclusion of a 2,764k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder covering 100% frame enhances composition in bright sunlight or for detailed manual focusing.

For anyone doing serious portrait, macro, or wildlife photography, the GX85’s electronic viewfinder combined with the bright, articulating touchscreen is a priceless advantage in real-world shooting.

Autofocus Capabilities: Critical for Capturing Sharp Moments

Point-and-shoot vs mirrorless systems wildly differ in autofocus technology and speed.

Autofocus Feature Panasonic FX580 Panasonic GX85
AF System Contrast Detection (CCD) Contrast Detection with Depth-from-Defocus (CMOS)
Focus Points 11 49
Face Detection Yes Yes
Continuous AF No Yes
AF Tracking No Yes
Eye Detection AF No No
Touch AF No Yes

The FX580’s limited 11-point contrast detection and single AF mode mean it can miss fast-moving subjects and occasionally hunt in low light. The GX85’s advanced 49-point system with face and subject tracking delivers fast, precise focus - even in complex scenes or continuous shooting bursts.

Sports, wildlife, and street photographers will gain the most confidence from the GX85’s reliable AF performance, capable of freezing motion at 8fps continuous shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Lens choice defines your creative horizons, from wide skies to macro details.

  • FX580: Fixed 25-125mm equivalent (5x zoom) lens with f/2.8-5.9 aperture range. The lens is sufficient for snapshots and casual portraits but static and limiting. Macro focus as close as 5cm is a bonus for close-ups but lacks ultimate precision.

  • GX85: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, with over 100 compatible lenses available, ranging from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms. This system flexibility enables you to tailor gear precisely to portraits, macro, landscapes, wildlife, or video.

Pairing the GX85 with a dedicated fast prime, a long telezoom, or a macro lens unlocks handling and image quality far beyond what a fixed-lens compact offers.

Putting the Cameras to Use Across Photography Styles

Here’s how these two cameras stack up in popular genres, based on hands-on experience:

Portrait Photography

  • FX580: Decent skin tone rendition thanks to CCD sensor’s natural color response, but shallow depth-of-field is limited by small sensor and lens aperture. No eye autofocus reduces keeper rates.

  • GX85: Large sensor and lens options enable creamy bokeh and sharp eye detection with face recognition. RAW files allow detailed retouching. Tilting touchscreen eases creative angles.

Landscape Photography

  • FX580: Lower resolution and dynamic range limit detail and highlight recovery. Lens distortion noticeable at wide end.

  • GX85: High dynamic range, higher resolution, and ability to use wide/ultra-wide primes excel here. Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization improves handheld sharpness in low light.

Wildlife Photography

  • FX580: Fixed zoom and slow AF make it difficult to track subjects. Limited burst rate of 2fps misses fast action.

  • GX85: Fast continuous shooting, large AF coverage, and telephoto lens adaptability make it much better when paired with long lenses.

Sports Photography

  • FX580: Struggles due to slow AF and lack of tracking.

  • GX85: 8fps burst, continuous autofocus, up to 1/16000s electronic shutter, and good low-light sensitivity make it viable for most sports.

Street Photography

  • FX580: Small size and silent operation make for discreet shooting. Limited manual controls reduce compositional flexibility.

  • GX85: Larger but still compact. Tilting screen allows low-angle shots, and fast AF keeps pace with street pace.

Macro Photography

  • FX580: Macro capable but limited focusing precision and small sensor sensor restricts image quality.

  • GX85: Compatibility with specialized macro lenses, higher resolution, and focus stacking support produce superior close-ups.

Night / Astro Photography

  • FX580: ISO limitations and noise cripple long exposure results.

  • GX85: High max ISO and raw shooting enable clean nightscapes. 5-axis stabilization and manual exposure options facilitate astro photography.

Video Capabilities

Feature FX580 GX85
Max Video Resolution 1280x720 @ 30fps (MJPEG) 3840x2160 (4K) @ 30p (MPEG-4, AVCHD)
Stabilization Optical 5-axis sensor-shift
Microphone Input No No
Touchscreen Control No Yes
4K Photo Mode No Yes

Vloggers and videographers will find the GX85’s 4K video, superior stabilization, and firmware video modes far outclass the FX580’s basic HD video.

Battery Life and Storage

  • FX580: Battery life unspecified, but typical for compact cameras of its age; not ideal for long outings. Single SD/SDHC slot with internal memory.

  • GX85: Rated approximately 290 shots per charge, enabling extended shoots. Single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot provides versatility and ample capacity for RAW+JPEG files.

Connectivity and Modern Features

  • FX580: Lacks wireless connectivity and Bluetooth, limiting instant sharing.

  • GX85: Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control via smartphone apps and fast image transfer, vital for social media users or on-the-spot sharing.

Pricing and Value Analysis

Camera Launch Price Current Street Price (approx) Features Justifying Price Difference
Panasonic FX580 $499 (2009) ~$150 used Compact, simple, quick for snapshots
Panasonic GX85 $799 (2016) ~$600 used / $700 new 4K video, advanced AF, interchangeable lenses, full manual control

While the FX580 suits beginners or budget shoppers looking for straightforward point-and-shoot functionality, the GX85 delivers exceptional value for enthusiasts wanting to unlock advanced photography features and superior image quality.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Our testing synthesizes lab measurements and field use to rate the cameras.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Images From Both Cameras

To help visualize image quality differences, here are side-by-side samples:

Notice the superior detail, nuanced colors, and dynamic range in GX85 images, especially in shadows and skies.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Panasonic FX580 if you:

  • Prioritize ultra-compact size and pocketability
  • Want a very simple, quick-to-use camera for casual photography
  • Are budget conscious and primarily shoot well-lit subjects or snapshots
  • Need basic video and flash functionality for family occasions or vacations

Choose the Panasonic GX85 if you:

  • Demand advanced control over exposure, focus, and composition
  • Need high-quality images with greater resolution, better low light performance, and RAW files
  • Shoot action, wildlife, landscapes, or night scenes seriously
  • Want a versatile lens ecosystem to expand creative options
  • Shoot 4K video and desire better stabilization and connectivity
  • Are an enthusiast or professional seeking a durable, flexible system

In Summary: Matching Your Vision to the Right Camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 represents an older generation of compact cameras - a handy, affordable option for beginners or casual shooters who want to pack light. Its fixed lens and small sensor limit creative potential but offer simplicity and modest image quality.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85, on the other hand, is a feature-rich advanced mirrorless camera designed for photographers who crave control, quality, and versatility. It bridges the gap between beginner cameras and professional setups with its interchangeable lenses, high-res sensor, excellent autofocus, and robust video features.

By choosing the GX85, you step into a creative workflow capable of handling multiple genres, lighting conditions, and professional demands. The FX580 remains a charming entry-level device for effortless snapshots.

Whichever you choose, both Panasonic models provide an entry point to capturing your creative vision. To truly feel which fits you best, I recommend visiting a store to hold and try them, or renting the GX85 if your budget allows. Don’t forget to explore lenses and accessories that complement your favorite photographic styles.

Ready to start shooting? Check out Panasonic's latest lens options and accessories to get the most from your new camera!

If you have any questions about using these cameras in specific scenarios or want tips on picking lenses, feel free to ask. Happy shooting!

Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic GX85 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic FX580 and Panasonic GX85
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
General Information
Brand Panasonic Panasonic
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85
Also called as Lumix DMC-FX550 Lumix DMC-GX80 / Lumix DMC-GX7 Mark II
Class Small Sensor Compact Advanced Mirrorless
Announced 2009-01-27 2016-04-05
Body design Compact Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor - Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4000 x 3000 4592 x 3448
Maximum native ISO 1600 25600
Maximum enhanced ISO 6400 -
Min native ISO 80 200
RAW photos
Min enhanced ISO - 100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points 11 49
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens Micro Four Thirds
Lens focal range 25-125mm (5.0x) -
Highest aperture f/2.8-5.9 -
Macro focus distance 5cm -
Available lenses - 107
Crop factor 5.9 2.1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Tilting
Display size 3 inch 3 inch
Resolution of display 230 thousand dot 1,040 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 2,764 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Features
Min shutter speed 60s 60s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/4000s
Max quiet shutter speed - 1/16000s
Continuous shutter speed 2.0fps 8.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 6.00 m 6.00 m (at ISO 200)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, forced on, forced on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, forced off
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 3840x2160
Video data format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 167g (0.37 lb) 426g (0.94 lb)
Physical dimensions 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") 122 x 71 x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 71
DXO Color Depth score not tested 22.9
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 12.6
DXO Low light score not tested 662
Other
Battery life - 290 photographs
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage slots One One
Cost at release $499 $800